How to Unlock a Tablet If You Forgot your PIN Code and Graphic Password – Unlock Your Tablet in 15 Ways

To protect personal data in any mobile device, be it a tablet from Huawei, Samsung, iPad, Lenovo, Eplutus, Microsoft Surface and other brands, a simple and effective method is used - screen locking. Such blocking can be done either through the use of a pattern on the tablet or using a digital code.

Such blocking, although convenient, can cause problems. The most common one is what to do if you forgot your pattern key?

Although this problem seems serious, there are several different ways to unlock your tablet if you forgot your pattern password. This instructional article is dedicated to them.

Important! The article is suitable for owners of mobile devices running the Android operating system, because on iOS the unlocking options are slightly different, and there is no pattern key - there is only a digital password code.

Resetting the Tablet to Factory Settings to Unlock – Method #1

If you have tried all the methods and nothing helps, or if you do not care about the safety of the data on your device, you can perform a hard reset - reset to factory settings.

• Turn off your device.
• Remove the memory card from it.
• Switch to Recovery mode by simultaneously pressing one of the combinations:

• sound reduction + power;
• increase sound + power;
• volume increase + power + “Home”;
• volume reduction + power + “Home”;
• increase sound + decrease sound + power.

• In the service menu that opens, select Recovery. Control occurs using the volume keys.
• Tap on the command “Wipe data/factory reset”.
• Confirm the action “Yes”.

In a couple of minutes, your phone will be completely uninstalled. You will receive the device in the same condition in which you purchased it (of course, without a password).

Depending on the model of the Android smartphone, resetting the firmware or resetting the settings to factory settings is carried out differently.

Nokia

You will need to do the following:

• Connect the device to a computer that has access to the Internet.
• Install app Nokia PC Suite. It allows you to transfer files from your phone memory to your hard drive and perform other useful functions.

• Install Nokia Unlocker Tool to unlock.
• After recognizing the gadget in the Nokia PC Suite program, immediately activate the second utility.
• Request a code so that the utility can unlock the equipment.

If the described option does not help, then you need to contact the service to solve the problem.

Sony Ericsson

Devices from this manufacturer can be unlocked in two ways: via cable and PC, as well as through special software (SEMCtool_v8.4 or TMS 2.45). In the first case, you need to install the paid WotanClient program.

Samsung

A product from this manufacturer offers to create an account after purchase, which can save information in memory if a password or pattern is forgotten. The account is available after entering your login and password. First, you need to go to the Samsung account website, open the “Content and Services” tab and find your device. Press the “Unlock screen” button.

LG

LG has made the most complex protection, so to restore access you will have to use special codes. The main difficulty is that they are made for each specific phone model, so there is no general solution. It is recommended to contact the service center or store where the purchase was made. Employees will be able to help solve the current problem.

HTC

You can remove the password with the key on these phones using the proprietary PC utility HTC Sync:

• You need to connect the gadget to the PC.
• Install the HTC Sync and the Screen Lock Bypas utility.
• Reboot the device and unlock it.

If after these steps the password or key remains, it is recommended to repeat the procedure 1-2 times until functionality is restored.

What to do if a virus has blocked your gadget's browser

Sometimes these kinds of messages appear in the form of pop-ups or spam. In this case, try pressing the Back key and closing the site. If everything remains unchanged and the ability to control the tablet cannot be restored, then depending on the installed operating system, other actions need to be taken.

Android

There are several ways to solve the problem.

Option 1: Use a Google account. Follow these steps:

1. Log into your account through Play Market on another device;
2. Install any antivirus. When you need to specify the download location, select the infected tablet;
3. Reboot the infected gadget. It will turn on in the background and the antivirus will begin its task. Visually, you won’t notice any changes on the screen for another 10 minutes;
4. After the specified time, reboot the device again.

Option 2: manipulation through the Recovery menu.

“This is what the Recovery menu looks like”

Follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the tablet and hold down two keys: reset + volume up for 10 seconds;
2. Activate Safe Boot Mode;
3. If the system has given you access to actions, go to settings and uninstall the application, after installing which the blocking message appeared.

If the delete or pause keys do not respond, it means the virus has captured administrator rights. In this case, you need to act like this:

1. Reboot the device again in safe mode;
2. Go to the Play Market and download the antivirus;
3. Restart the device again, and it will activate the anti-virus scan;
4. And reboot for the third time.

Option 3 – cardinal: return to factory settings. Follow the instructions:

1. Press and hold 2 keys for 10 seconds: reset + volume up;
2. Select the item “Wipe data/factory reset” by pressing the volume keys;

   
   "Reset to factory settings"

3. Reboot your tablet.

When resetting to factory settings, all tablet data will be deleted. The only exception is information that was stored on the memory card.

iOS

Gadgets running on iOS are much more fortunate; the virus does not completely block the system; the extortion message appears only as a pop-up window. To delete it, you need to follow this scheme: “Settings” → browser menu → “Clear history and website data.”

How to Unlock a Tablet Via Google Account – Method #2

If your mobile device has an Internet connection (via your operator's network or an automatic connection to Wi-Fi) and you have a Google account, then you can use the Find My Device service to unlock your smartphone.

REFERENCE: “Find My Device” from Google is a service that allows you to control your phone remotely, for example, when it is lost or stolen.

• Log into your Google account on your tablet or computer.
• In the menu, find the “Security” section and go to it.
• Next, find the “Your devices” item.
• Click on "Manage Devices".
• Select the device that is locked and tap “Erase all data from this device.”
• Confirm your intention.

After completing all the steps, the smartphone settings will be reset. It will need to be configured again.

What to do if you forgot your password: general instructions

1. With the device turned off, press and hold the top volume rocker (volume up button) + the Home button (usually a large central button or a button with a house drawn on it) + the power button. If there is no Home button, then only the volume and Power buttons.
2. After vibration or the logo appears on the screen, release all buttons.
3. Next, using the same volume rocker, select the line “Wipe data/factory reset” and confirm the choice with the “Home” button or the “Power” button (depending on the model).
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4. After this, we find ourselves in the next menu, where in the long list of “No” items there is an item “Yes - delete all user data”, which we select. After performing the reset, the first menu will be displayed where we reboot the system by selecting “reboot system now”.

This instruction should apply to all devices from Samsung, LG, HTC.

Software from manufacturers can also help in this matter. For Sony devices this is SonyEricsson PC Suite, for Huawei it is HiSuite, for Samsung the program is called Kies. And, of course, start by reading the instructions for your device, perhaps this will allow you to quickly and effectively solve the problem of blocking your device.

Unlocking the Tablet Screen Using Google – Method #3

If your gadget has access to the Internet, it can be accessed through the Google system if the screen is locked.

IMPORTANT: This method can be used by owners of smartphones whose operating system versions are not newer than Android 5.0 (models before 2014).

• Enter the key, code or password incorrectly on the device screen 5 times until a message appears indicating that the device is temporarily blocked. The message “Forgot your password” or something similar should appear there.
• Click on the indicated inscription. A window will open in which you will be asked to enter registration data (password and login) for the Google account to which the device is linked.
• If you have forgotten the password for your Google account, try to recover it using one of the available methods (except “using your phone”) via a computer or tablet.
• When you enter your Google account login information on the screen of a locked smartphone, you will be asked to come up with a new combination to log into the device, and the phone will be unlocked.

What passwords are used on tablets on the Android system?

There are two types of such locks:

The password is specified in text, which consists of a random set of numbers (sometimes letters). The correct combination unlocks the tablet. This method is quite popular among users, as it does not present any particular difficulties; Graphic drawing. Many people prefer to block their personal tablet this way.

This method may seem unreliable to some - an outsider can see exactly how the owner placed the key and take advantage of it. However, this method is also often used.

Calling the Tablet from Another Device to Unlock – Method #4

Every smartphone user knows that in order to receive a call, your phone does not need to be unlocked. This trick can be used to gain access to the gadget’s system if you suddenly forget your pattern key or PIN code.

• Call your mobile from another number.
• Answer an incoming call on your device.
• After starting a conversation, the phone is unlocked. Open the top notification shade.
• Go to Settings.
• Disable the password.

IMPORTANT: This method is not suitable for gaining access to new generation phones. You can only try to use it if you have a very old Android.

Methods for resetting a pattern with loss of user settings and data

These reset methods will result in the loss of all system settings and the removal of applications. Photos, ringtones and videos will remain intact. If you have mentally accepted the consequences, then let's proceed to action.

First, you can try doing a full reset to factory settings. How to do this is described in detail in our article “Hard Reset” on Huawei devices. If you were unable to perform a full reset, you will have to resort to flashing the firmware. To do this you need:

1. find your device on the official website;

1. go to the downloads section;

1. download the archive with the firmware package;
2. unzip the package and place all the firmware files in the root of the memory card in the dload folder;
3. turn off the device and insert a memory card;
4. connect the charger;
5. wait for the firmware process to complete and remove the memory card (the device will reboot on its own).

Removing Tablet Graphic Password Using a PC – Method #5

This option will help protect data on your smartphone if you have forgotten your digital password or pattern key. There is a file in the phone's memory that is responsible for the operation of the pattern key. If you delete it, the system will not ask for a key to enter.

HELP: The method will work if the USB Debugging mode is active on the gadget. It can be enabled through the “Developer Menu”.

• Connect your device using a USB cable to your computer or laptop.
• Download and install the adb run program.
• Run the utility and enter the request “adbBLOCK GEST”.
• Confirm deleting the file.

Unlocking via ADB app

This option will tell you how to unlock your tablet if you have forgotten the password for an Android device of any version. But even here there are limitations, that is, mandatory conditions for using the method. To remove a block using this method, the following factors must be present:

• active debug mode;
• USB;
• computer on the Windows platform;
• ADB (Android Debug Bridge) application.

Even the first condition can confuse any user. Not all devices have a debug mode, but even if it is present, it is unlikely to be activated. It is clear that this will be impossible to do when the screen is locked, however, on some devices, if you connect the gadget via USB, you can activate it yourself.

As soon as we have connected the tablet to the computer, we need to open the command line through “Start”. There we find the “Run” section and in the line that opens, enter: “cmd”. A line appears on a dark screen in which you need to specify the path to the pre-downloaded ADB application. Next, the user needs to enter the following commands one by one. One of them should give a positive result.

Unlocking a Tablet Using an Internet Connection – Method #6

This method of unlocking a smartphone screen also involves using a Google account. The main thing is not only to enter the correct information to log into your account, but also to ensure access to the Internet.

• Reboot your device.
• After switching on, a “curtain” will appear at the top of the display. Unfold it.
• Tap "Mobile Data" or the "Wi-Fi" button.

If you can’t pull out the curtain, you can use the system code to ensure a connection via Wi-Fi:

• Tap the "Emergency Call" button (located on the lock screen).
• Enter the command: *#*#7378423#*#*.
• Go to the Service Tests/ Service Provider tab.
• Next - “WLAN”.
• Connect to Wi-Fi.

HELP: If it is not possible to provide access to Wi-Fi, you can insert a SIM card with a working Internet connection into the device and log into your Google account.

How to unlock a Huawei tablet if you forgot the pattern key?

Despite the attempts of developers to make it more difficult to unlock the phone, several ways to regain access to the device are provided:

• First of all, users are able to reset forgotten data using a Google account;
• You can also achieve success by resetting the settings to factory level.

In addition, in the most difficult situations, owners can contact Huawei support. To do this, you will have to visit the company’s official website (Russian-language) and, by filling out a special form, describe the current situation to the support staff. Then all that remains is to use the instructions received and eliminate the existing restrictions.

Unlocking Your Tablet Through Smart Lock Options – Method #7

This option for resetting a locked screen password is only possible on phone models no older than 2015 (Android 5.0 and older). It was from this time that the Smart Lock function became available on electronic devices.

HELP: To use this method, you must have set up the Smart Lock feature in advance. You can find the option in the gadget settings in the section responsible for the lock screen and security.

The Smart Lock feature allows you to set your phone lock settings depending on three parameters:

• "Trusted devices";
• "Safe Places";
• “Physical contact” / “Face recognition”.

Use Batteries to Unlock Your Tablet - Method #8

You can unlock your gadget's screen if you have forgotten your PIN code through the power management system.

ATTENTION: This method does not work on modern devices. You can try your luck with this method only on older Androids.

• Wait until the phone's charge drops to 10-15%.
• When the low battery message appears, click on the link that takes you to the battery menu (power management settings).
• From there, go to the device security section.
• Disable the password.

Recovery via SIM

A rather cunning method that stopped working in new devices due to the fact that it was a serious gap in the system’s security. It involves using a SIM card and is suitable for older tablets with GSM support. The trick is that you need to call the SIM card from any other device. On a locked device, you need to accept the call and, without dropping it, simply end the call. Now the user will be able to get into the settings and, among other things, completely remove the protection of the device.

Important! The disadvantage of this method is that the developers at Google found out about such a loophole and closed it in newer versions of the OS. In addition, the method will not help if the owner of the device has forgotten the PIN code for the SIM card, and it is this that does not allow entry.

Change Tablet Password Using ADB Run Program – Method #9

Unlocking using the special ADB Run utility will only work if USB debugging was previously enabled on your device.

HELP: USB debugging is used to set up applications and change settings on an Android phone using a special program on a PC. It can be enabled using the hidden “Developer Menu”. For example, for phones with Android below version 7.1, this can be done using the following chain of commands: “Menu” - “Settings” - “About smartphone” - “Build number”. You need to tap on the last item 7-10 times. Next: “Settings” – “For Developers” and check the box next to “USB Debugging”.

• Download the ADB program and install it.
• Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
• Open the utility.
• Click on the number “6” on your keyboard – “Unlock Gesture Key”. The smartphone should reboot.
• Enter the new code on your phone screen.

ATTENTION: The method will not work with all devices.

Reflashing the Tablet to Unlock the Password – Method #10

This method is universal. It will work on any smartphone model. The bottom line is that the device's operating system must be completely uninstalled and reinstalled. Of course, all files and data from the device (including the specified password) will be deleted along with the OS.

Preparatory steps:

• Charge the device's battery or make sure it has at least 50% charge;
• Find out the current OS version for your smartphone (“Menu” – “Settings” – “About phone”).

Option 1. Through a computer

There are many programs with which you can flash an Android phone: Fastboot, Odin, KDZ Updater, Flash Tool, etc.

• Download one of the specified programs to your PC (it is better to download to drive C so that the path to it is C:\Android). We will look at the process using Fastboot as an example.
• Connect your smartphone using a USB cable to your PC. The automatic installation of drivers should begin.
• Download the firmware that matches your phone version. It should download in a zip archive.
• Move the archive to the C:\Android folder.
• Unlock the bootloader on your phone:

• go to the Start menu;
• enter “CMD” into the search engine;
• select cmd.exe and right-click on the file;
• further – “run as administrator”;
• in the command line enter C:\Android\Tools;
• press Enter;
• enter the command fastboot devices.

• If the program correctly recognizes your device, its code will appear. This means that the device is ready for firmware. If the message “waiting for device” is displayed, you need to disconnect the device and repeat the above steps again.
• If everything works, enter the command “fastboot update firmware file name.zip”.
• The Android firmware process should start. When the procedure is finished, restart your smartphone.

Option 2. Through Recovery

Recovery is a special mode on your smartphone. To get into it, you need to turn off the phone and hold down certain buttons.

HELP: Each Android device model has its own buttons. This could be the power + volume up key; Home button + power + volume up, etc.

• Download the firmware file.
• Transfer it to the root system of your smartphone using a USB cable.
• Go to Recovery mode.
• Find the section with the firmware (“apply update from externel storage”, “apply update from sdcard”, etc.).
• Select the downloaded file and tap on it. The firmware process will begin.

Option 3. Via ROM MANAGER

This firmware method is not popular because Root rights are required to use ROM Manager.

• Download the ROM Manager program.
• Download the required firmware for your gadget.
• Connect your smartphone to your PC using a USB cable.
• Open the utility.
• Copy the zip file with the firmware to your phone's memory.
• In the program menu, click on “Install ROM from SD card”.
• Find the archive with the firmware and tap on it.
• Next - “Reboot and installation”.
• Check the box next to “Save current ROM” (this will allow you to restore the previous version of the OS if something goes wrong).
• Confirm your actions with the “Ok” button.

ATTENTION: Reflashing is a radical method. In the hands of an inexperienced user, it can be detrimental to the stable operation of the device. Therefore, if you do not understand smartphones and are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist.

Reset Your Tablet Password Using Aroma File Manager – Method #11

This method is suitable for those devices that have an SD card.

• Download Aroma file manager on your PC.

• Turn off your smartphone.
• Connect Android to your computer using a USB cable.
• Open your phone's memory card through File Explorer on your PC.
• Copy the archive with the Aroma File Manager utility to the root folder.
• Go to Recovery mode on your smartphone. To do this you need to hold down the buttons:

• volume down + power;
• volume up + power;
• volume up + power + “Home”;
• volume down + power + “Home”;
• Volume up + Volume down + Power.

• Execute the commands: “Install update from zip file” – “Choose zip from /sdcard”: you need to specify the path to the Aroma program. If everything was done correctly, the utility will begin to install directly in Recovery mode and start.
• Go to the “Settings” item of the program and set “Automount all devices on start”.
• Exit recovery mode.
• Repeat the action from step 6.
• Launch the Aroma File Manager program.
• Go to the Data Folder, then System Folder.
• Find the password.key or gesture.key file and delete it.
• Restart your smartphone. It must be unlocked.

Methods for resetting a pattern without losing data

One of the simplest methods is to repeatedly enter the wrong key. To do this you need:

1. enter the wrong pattern several times;
2. wait for the window with the Google account request form to appear;
3. Enter your login (mailbox) and password.

After this, your pattern will be reset. However, there is one thing - it is not always possible to check your account details, since there may be no Internet connection. In this case you need:

1. find an active Wi-Fi access point;
2. start the dialer by clicking “emergency call”;
3. enter the code to call the engineering menu in the dialer (for example *#*#7378423#*#*);
4. select Service tests - WLAN in the window that appears;
5. connect to the access point.

If for some reason this method does not suit you, you can use the active window method. To do this we do the following:

1. download and install the proprietary HiSuite utility;
2. connect your smartphone to your computer via a USB cable;
3. launch the utility and go to the “Contacts” section, and then “My e-mail”;
4. pull down the status bar curtain after the notification appears and go to system settings;
5. disable graphic key protection.

If there is no PC nearby or for some reason you cannot follow the instructions, you can wait until the battery drains and when a warning window appears, use the curtain to call up the settings.

If your device is rooted and has a custom recovery installed, you can try to delete the file with the pattern key data yourself. In this case, after rebooting, you can enter any gesture to unlock the device. To do this you need:

1. download Aroma File Manager and place it in the root of the memory card;
2. launch custom recovery;
3. flash the archive with the utility;
4. after Aroma File Manager starts, go to the “system root/data/system/” directory and delete the gesture.key file.

If there is no custom recovery on your device or can only be launched from the system, you can try your luck with stock recovery. To do this, you will need to flash the script to delete the pattern data file:

1. launch recovery (volume up + power button);
2. select the item “install .zip”, “install update.zip” (or the like, depending on the device);
3. select our archive and flash it.

That's all. If none of these methods help you, you will have to try extreme methods. If this does not suit you, you will have to contact an official service center.

Unblock on a Tablet Using Bypass – Method #12

This method is suitable for enterprising Android owners who foresaw in advance that I might forget the password and installed the Bypass utility on their smartphone. If you have such a program, then unlocking your phone is easy: send an SMS with the text 1234 reset to your number. That's all, then the program will scan the message, reboot the phone and delete the password.

REFERENCE: The Lock Unlocker application has a similar operating principle.

Via SMS

This option is one of the quick and simple ones, but it will only help those who foresaw the situation with the gadget being accidentally blocked and installed the SMS Bypass application on it in advance, and also received superuser rights (root). Naturally, the device must be equipped with a SIM card reader.

So, how to unlock an Android tablet using SMS Bypass if you forgot the pattern key?

• Install the application from Google Play. It's not free, but it costs only $1.99. To install, you need access to the global network and a Google account.
• Give the app full access to your device.
• Set a secret code in SMS Bypass to reset the pattern (its default value is 1234). To prevent outsiders from doing this, it is advisable to come up with a more complex code.
• When blocked, send an SMS with the text “secret_code reset” to the SIM card number of your tablet from another phone. For example, “1234 reset”. The pattern will be reset.

Using a Program Through a Computer – Method #13

By downloading a special program to your computer and connecting your phone via USB, you can unlock the password on your phone.

Tenorshare 4uKey

This utility will allow you to remove screen lock in just a couple of minutes. It is very easy to use because the process of working with it is accompanied by tips and step-by-step instructions.

• .
• Connect your phone to PC using a USB cable.
• Launch the 4uKey for Android program.

• In the menu that opens, click on “Delete”. The process of uninstalling the mobile screen lock will begin.
• The utility will warn you that to remove the lock, you will have to erase all data from the device. Click "OK" to continue the process.
• When the process is complete, switch your smartphone to recovery mode following the prompts of the utility.
• Tap “Next” and restore your smartphone to factory settings according to the program instructions.
• Reboot your device.

iSkysoft Toolbox

Using iSkysoft Toolbox it is possible to unlock an old version of Android (with OS no higher than 6.0).

IMPORTANT: The program is only available in English.

• Download and run the utility.
• Connect your smartphone to your PC using a USB cable.
• In the program menu, find the model of your smartphone and tap “Next”.
• Click on “Start” and the unlocking process will begin.

dr.fone

Using this utility, you can remove a block from the screen of a smartphone from the Samsung and LG brands. This program has proven itself to be convenient and efficient.

• Launch the utility.
• Click on "Unblock".
• Use a cable to connect your phone to your computer.
• Tap "Start".
• In the window that opens, select the model of your device.
• Click Next.
• Enter the text “confirm” and click the button with a similar inscription.
• Follow the program's instructions to put your smartphone into download mode.
• After the download is complete, the utility will remove the lock.

Unlocking a Tablet Using an Additional Account – Method #14

The possibility of using this method depends on the presence of three components:

• there must be more than one authorized user on the smartphone;
• Each user account must have the SuperSU utility;
• The owner must have root rights.

HELP: Root rights give full access to the Android device system, in particular, to system files and settings from the developer.

A specific password is set for one user’s account, making it possible to access the phone through another user’s account.

• Log in to the second user's account.
• Launch SuperSU.
• Tap on “dataàsystem”.
• Delete the file with the graphic key and objects with the extension db-shm, db, db-wal.

Contacting a Specialist at the Service Center - Method #15

Have you tried all the methods, but they did not bring the desired result? It's time to contact a specialist: a service center or any trusted gadget repair shop.

It may take some time, and it is not free, but you will be able to save all the data on your smartphone and avoid the risk of turning your electronic device into an “expensive brick.”

In this review, we have collected the most popular ways to unlock a phone screen if the owner has forgotten the password. For most smartphones they will be sufficient. However, it is better to try to remember your PIN codes and graphic signs, or write them down somewhere to prevent situations from arising when you have to puzzle over how to unlock your mobile phone.

Types of passwords on Android

Before you figure out how to unlock your tablet if you forgot your PIN code, you need to understand what type of code we are dealing with, because our further actions will depend on this.

You can block your device in the following ways:

• digital code - any combination of numbers or letters, although the latter are used less frequently. This is the most common option, as it is simple and standard;
• A graphic password is an unlocking of a device using a graphic pattern, that is, the owner specifies a certain figure that provides access to all information. Not everyone chooses this security method, since the figure can be recognized from the outside, so you have to enter it more carefully. However, this opinion is purely subjective and there are many users who prefer this blocking option.